Every year, after a nationwide call for nominations, the Medal of Honor Society and its foundation honor several citizens who have acted courageously on behalf of others.

"(These) six honorees were chosen for going above and beyond without regard for (their) own safety, to protect the lives of children," wrote Harold A. Fritz, CMOH Society president in letters to the six educators' families.

"(Their) courage, selflessness and willingness to sacrifice for the good of others clearly demonstrate that (they) possessed the same strong character traits that are the legacy of the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest award for wartime valor," Fritz' letter continues.

Hochsprung was reported to have lunged at Adam Lanza, the shooter, followed by Scherlach, who had run with her from the main office as Lanza entered the school shooting.

Soto was reported to have hid children in a closet. Rousseau reportedly read to children to calm them during the chaos.

D'Avino and Murphy reportedly wrapped children in their arms.

These women were also honored on Feb. 15 in a ceremony at the White House when President Barack Obama posthumously awarded each the Presidential Citizens Award, the nation's second-highest civilian honor.